How to Be Certified to Be a Personal Fitness Trainer

Starting a career as a personal trainer is easier than you think. If you think you have the drive and ambition to change the lives of others for the better, than this is the career for you. Personal trainers must be personable, caring, consistent and firm and must love exercise and health. In order to receive a personal trainer certification, it is pertinent to become licensed by an accredited certification organization. Once you have the certification, you will be a recognized personal trainer and qualified to begin seeing clients.

Things You'll Need

  • CPR certification
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Instructions

  1. Becoming a Personal Trainer

    • 1

      Obtain CPR certification. In recent years, many gyms have been requiring trainers to obtain their certification through the American Heart Association CPR. To become CPR certified, you need to attend a two-hour training course, where you will review the proper procedures needed to be followed in case of an emergency. After the trainer course, you will be tested, and once you pass the test, you will be asked to simulate a real life emergency, during which you will need to follow the proper procedures. The training organization will ensure you call for additional assistance, ask the required questions and perform the proper chest compression to breath ratio. The training classes are held at local hospitals. You can get this information at AmericanHeart.org.

    • 2

      Decide on personal training certification. There are many different organizations that provide this service; there are online courses, weekend seminars and day and evening classes. It is up to you to determine the best fit for your lifestyle. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is one of the most recognized certification agencies. You must be 18 or over to even sign up for the course, and most cost between $100 and$250. Once you have your certification, you may want to get specialty certification that will allow you to work with different groups of clients. You can specialize in working with children or teens training for sports or adults with specific illnesses.

    • 3

      Further your education. Although not necessary and you already have your certification, it is wise to gain more knowledge. Some trainers go back to school and get a degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology. Adding these courses to your resume will make you more credible.